Is it Black or African American?
What should we call ourselves?
The Youngest to Keep Up Yet!
5th Grader Makes a Speech in Front of 20k Teachers. Look at the future of American...Are you helping to build better leaders?
Is it Black or African American?
Since we arrived here as slaves we have struggled with how to identify ourselves. We went from Nigger to African American over a span of over 400 years, being called so many different names. We eventually decided that since we were "clearly" descendants from Africa, that we should be African American. But for a race this still struggles with being able to identify ourselves with more than just a continent, how much does our name make sense? Many people argue that since we have no clue what countries we really came from, haven't been back in hundreds of years, and clearly were born here, that we are simply American, and should not identify ourselves as African Americans.
Some people much rather call themselves Black. Right around the time when the Black Power movement started, people decided to use Black to identify themselves, instead of the number of other names. Today, people rather identify themselves by the color of their skin, because they feel they cannot identify with America or Africa.
On the other hand, a lot of people take pride in calling themselves African American. They feel like we are clearly Americans, but need to keep our connection to the Motherland.
I cannot help but wonder how much does what we call ourselves effect how we feel about ourselves? Does our lack of identity truly effect why we cannot come together?
What do you think?
Do you call yourself Black or African American, and why?
How much does what we call ourselves effect how we come together and how we feel about ourselves?
or is it just a name?
The Youngest Person to Keep Up Yet! - 5th Grader Gives Speech to 20K Teachers in Dallas
Posted by The SocialiteBarack Obama has had a constant theme about helping main street rather than just focus on wall street. He points out that putting more money back into our educational system is extremely important. Well, one young man tells us how important Obama's plan really is.
I have never meant someone was Young and Keeping Up more than the young man in this video. Listening to him should inspire anyone to be able to succeed and achieve all goals one sets. If this is one of our future leaders, then I cannot wait to put more of my time into the educational system to ensure more of our students become just like him.
Take time to look at this student speak, and then ask yourself, "What are you doing to help to ensure that more young people become our great leaders of tomorrow?"
Thank you Bombshell for sending me to http://fammytellem.blogspot.com/ to see this video. I had to show the readers over here at Keeping Up.
SNL mocks the Presidential Debate
The Socialite also gives her short opinion on the debate
Young and Keeping Up- The Over Achievers
Party Promoters, Washington DC, Love Night Club
SNL mocks the Presidential Debate...but how did you feel?
Posted by The Socialite Labels: Let's talk about itSNL presents the Presidential Debate in the form of comedy, and shows us how they felt about the two candidates during the debate:
Keeping Up with the Huxtables feelings:
Liked:
How Obama managed to "Keep Up" with the so called expert on foreign policy.
Hated:
How the candidates managed not to answer the questions
McCain's constant theme about "Obama not getting it"
McCain's lack of plans for the middle class
What did you like and hate about the 1st Presidential Debate?
How much do you think the comedy bits effect the overall election?
All over the country, and especially surrounding colleges and universities, there are party promoters who are in charge of creating an unique party experience. As African Americans we like "dressing to impress", poppin bottles, and dancing to the sounds of Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, and anything that makes us want to move. There is one group of young men that specialize in creating that ultimate party experience for you. They call themselves the Over Achievers, and they are Young and Keeping Up.
Bio (Snippets)
The Over Achievers staff specialize in event planning and party promotion with students, families, schools, and businesses. Our company is comprised of a group of inspiring young entrepreneurs who believe that success should neither be defined nor limited. The company's versatile ability allows a wide range of opportunities for creating and supporting local entertainment for private parties, business endeavors, sweet sixteen's, and holiday galas.
The Over Achievers' daily promotional experience consists of working with Love Night Club in Washington, D.C. Promoting and managing for the renowned Love Nightclub has provided the Over Achievers with the experience to continuously create memorable experiences for party goers.
The Over Achievers Ent. LLC is made up of both diligent promoters and a staff. The Staff includes a President, Vice President, General Manager, Graphic Designer, two Assistants, and Security. The President of Over Achievers name is Freddie Brown III, the Vice President’s name is Anthony Hampton, and the General Manger’s name is Anton Render. The graphic designer’s name is Wayne Johnson. Our head Security persons’ name is Ed Adams and our two assistants’ names are Philip Parker and Courtney Johnson.
About the President
Freddie Thomas Brown 3rd is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Over Achievers Entertainment LLC. He is a student at Georgetown University. The Overseer. How did the Overachievers begin? Overachievers began when a few friends and I threw a party on July 5 ,2003. The party was such a success that we decided to expand upon the concept of throwing social events. We then developed a business plan and took the necessary steps to establish the Overachievers. From that day forward, the Overachievers has been a premier source of entertainment in the DC area.
About the General Manager
Anton Render is a student at Howard University. He has been promoting since June 2006. He was appointed the position to become Over Achievers General Manager on May 2008. Since he has become their GM the Over Achievers have continued to move in a positive direction. As the GM he is in charge of all promoters. Any questions the promoters have they come to him, and he is responsible for making the promoters aware of any updates of that night. Also answers all questions during the event.
Anton Render tells us how he manages to Keep Up:
"As the General Manager to this company I am constantly working and thinking of new ideas to build my company. If you are not thinking of new ideas everyday and feel that your company is at its best, then you are not on your job. There is not a day that goes by in which I feel that I could be replaced at any time, so I'm always putting my all into what I do. I can honestly say that the staff I work with feels the same way as me."
Anton Render tells us how he manages to Keep Up:
"As the General Manager to this company I am constantly working and thinking of new ideas to build my company. If you are not thinking of new ideas everyday and feel that your company is at its best, then you are not on your job. There is not a day that goes by in which I feel that I could be replaced at any time, so I'm always putting my all into what I do. I can honestly say that the staff I work with feels the same way as me."
For more information regarding events put on by the Over Achievers,
or Email them: ioverachieve@gmail.com
Friday's Top Ways to Keep up with the Huxtables..
Posted by The Socialite Labels: Friday's Top Ways to Keep Up
1. Watch how much more racism will begin to surface as it gets closer to elections. Be aware, remain cool, and respond in a calm manner. But if someone personally disrespects you...well you don't need any advice from me...do what you gotta do.
Read snippets from the latest story about some racial undertones used towards Obama:
Robin Baker, president of George Fox University, described himself as "disheartened and outraged" by the effigy of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Taped to the cardboard cutout of the black senator from Illinois was a message targeting participants in Act Six, a scholarship program geared toward increasing the number of minority and low-income students at several Christian colleges, mostly in the Northwest.
The message read, "Act Six reject."
The disturbing image found near the heart of the campus recalled the days of lynchings of blacks and was all the more incongruous at a university founded by Quaker pioneers in 1891. Felton said he had been at the school since he enrolled two decades ago, and "I've never experienced or heard of any type of overt racial act."
George Fox University's campus is in Newberg in the Willamette Valley south of Portland. About 1,800 students are enrolled. The school has 17 students in the Act Six program, whose name derives from the New Testament book of Acts. All but one are members of minority groups, Felton said. Students in the program receive full scholarships and are selected on the basis of leadership potential. Several students in the program said they are angry but do not feel threatened.
2. If you are a Howard University student or any student, be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that you never travel alone at dark. People tend to think that because they are on a college campus that nothing can happen to them.
Check out some snippets of a story about some incidents that have recently occurred at Howard University:
Between August 16 and September 16, 12 Howard students have been robbed, armed and unarmed, and two have been sexually assaulted. This number, provided by the Howard University Campus Police Department, does not include unreported crime. Five of the twelve robberies have occurred on campus. In addition, one of the sexual assaults occurred on campus. Students may be disturbed to discover that the emergency Blue Light Systems on campus do not work and will not dial for help if you press the button. Instead, students may hear the sounds of someone else dialing or a voice. Neither one is helping you.
( By Jessica Lewis- Black Wire)
3. Travel to other countries and truly explore other cultures! So many Black people are closed-minded and have only been exposed to their inner communities. If you can afford it, take the time to open your eyes.
Check out a snippet of the experience that Selena Singleton, one of Keeping Up's Readers, is having on her trip now. She sends us a few pictures and some words all the way from Ghana:
The message read, "Act Six reject."
The disturbing image found near the heart of the campus recalled the days of lynchings of blacks and was all the more incongruous at a university founded by Quaker pioneers in 1891. Felton said he had been at the school since he enrolled two decades ago, and "I've never experienced or heard of any type of overt racial act."
George Fox University's campus is in Newberg in the Willamette Valley south of Portland. About 1,800 students are enrolled. The school has 17 students in the Act Six program, whose name derives from the New Testament book of Acts. All but one are members of minority groups, Felton said. Students in the program receive full scholarships and are selected on the basis of leadership potential. Several students in the program said they are angry but do not feel threatened.
2. If you are a Howard University student or any student, be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that you never travel alone at dark. People tend to think that because they are on a college campus that nothing can happen to them.
Check out some snippets of a story about some incidents that have recently occurred at Howard University:
Between August 16 and September 16, 12 Howard students have been robbed, armed and unarmed, and two have been sexually assaulted. This number, provided by the Howard University Campus Police Department, does not include unreported crime. Five of the twelve robberies have occurred on campus. In addition, one of the sexual assaults occurred on campus. Students may be disturbed to discover that the emergency Blue Light Systems on campus do not work and will not dial for help if you press the button. Instead, students may hear the sounds of someone else dialing or a voice. Neither one is helping you.
( By Jessica Lewis- Black Wire)
3. Travel to other countries and truly explore other cultures! So many Black people are closed-minded and have only been exposed to their inner communities. If you can afford it, take the time to open your eyes.
Check out a snippet of the experience that Selena Singleton, one of Keeping Up's Readers, is having on her trip now. She sends us a few pictures and some words all the way from Ghana:
I don't even know where to start. It hasn't been a week yet, and I have already experienced so much. I rode horses on Coco Beach, climbed a mountain, gone into a batvcave, experienced the nightlife, visited museums and markets, had numerous Ghanaian dishes and so much more. I even got hit by 2 cars..within 4 hours (people in Osu apparently do not know how to use rear view mirrors when backing up)!! For now, I'll just give you an overview of my life here in Ghana. I live in Teshie, which is about 30 minutes to an hour from the city (transportation can be very slow due to traffic and bad roads, so its impossible to know how long you will take to get anywhere).
Teshie is not a tourist area...at all. So, I am getting a very real experience. We don't have street names, so I use a P.O. box in Accra to get mail. Our water doesn't run, so we bathe with buckets drawn from a water tank. I walk about 25 minutes each way to get to and from work at Mercy Orphanage. After work, I usually go to Accra or Osu to shop and hang out. Accra has almost as much hustle & bustle as NYC if not more. Salespeople are extremely aggressivem only forcing me to be extremelty firm and a hell of a bargainer. Osu is a bit more laid back although I still get followed and chased by vendors. This is where you can find tourists, American expatriates and great pizza! Living in Teshie is similar to living in Queens: quiet, but close enough to all the action of the city. I love Ghana so far. Next weekend I plan to visit Cape Coast. That's all for now. Stay tuned...
4. Make sure that you watch the 1st Presidential debate. It will play Live on tonight @ 9pm eastern. CNN has full coverage! Make sure to tell your friends.
Keeping Up with the Huxtables brings you:
Keeping Up with Black News...the latest news in our community
The Winner of the Best "Worst Hair Experience" Contest
(Keeping Up with the Huxtables has decided to give you more than one story a day. More then one way to Keep Up in a day...how exciting!!!)
The winner of the Best "Worst Hair Experience" Contest goes to...
Posted by The Socialite Labels: Contest
Last month Keeping Up with the Huxtables hosted a contest along with African Pride in search of the Best "Worst Hair Experience". We know that so many Black women struggle with finding the right products and techniques to maintain their hair. We were interested to hear some of your stories.
African Pride was eager to give the winner of this contest a package of a variety of their hair care products. Check out how African Pride spends their time making products for African American Women of all textures of hair. http://www.african-pride.com/
Here are some snippets of her story:
I was going to a stylist who told me that he loved my look and wanted me to do some hair modeling for him. Up until this point, I loved the way he was taking care of my hair. It was growing, it was healthy and frankly it was bomb! So when I considered his request, I was more than happy to acquiesce.
I got worried when he first emptied a BOTTLE (yes, a whole bottle) of weave bonding glue to the stocking caps and then began piecing on the various hair colors. He had me sit under the dryer for the cap to set and then cut the array of hair into a short cropped do. Throughout the course of the styling I asked him about my hair and whether or not it was being protected, you see, I had endured another hair disaster that involved bleach and after several hair cuts and treatments had just gotten my hair back to a texture and style that I was comfortable and confident with. I also asked him about the cap itself, you see, I work in Corporate America and I could not go to work the next day with all of these colors in my hair without expecting to be laughed into HR for my exit interview. It was that serious!! He assured me that my hair would be just fine and that I could simply remove the cap with a little force and a good conditioner. He continued to style.
After the photo shoot I went home to try and take this mess off of my head. When I got home, I got right in the shower and started trying to remove this "cap" with force and a great conditioner. And low and behold, the hair went NOWHERE.
My friend had me sit on the floor between her legs and she did the unbe-weave-able!!! She doused my entire head (back, couch, towels and floor) with baby oil! And we sat there for about an hour and a half while she massaged and eased that cap and globs of hairy glue off of my head. When she was done I was a ball of grease with a migraine. My head felt like it had been crushed, better yet, stomped on by some elephants or something.
I look in the mirror. I channel Omarion, somebody help me!!! I've got BALD spots where my baby hair used to be!!!! This can't be my life. I proceed to take pictures of all the damage on my head and otherwise because guess what? This fool got the wrong one, I will contact his ass with my attorneys on the line before Regis & Kelly come on if he doesn't answer his phone and thoroughly detail a plan to get my hair right again, not now BUT right now. Needless to say, I was able to manage without getting Judge Hatchett involved and my baby hairs are back in the picture, literally. They are about two months old now and growing with promise, slowly, but surely. *sigh*
Sincerely,
the *HauteMess* herself
Please b~e~z...............
Spike Lee directed a new film that will be hitting the big screen, called Miracle At. St. Anna.
The movie comes out on Sept. 26, and chronicles the story of four black American soldiers (Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, and Omar Benson Miller) who are members of the US Army as part of the all-black 92nd "Buffalo Soldier" Division stationed in Tuscany, Italy during World War II. They experience the tragedy and triumph of the war as they find themselves trapped behind enemy lines and separated from their unit after one of them risks his life to save an Italian boy. The movie transcends national boundaries, race, and class to touch the goodness within us all.
Spike Lee always seems to amaze me with his films. Many of his films reach the head of the list when it comes to Best Black movies. My favorite one is School Daze. I can't wait to see how this movie matches up to the rest of his films.
What is your favorite Spike Lee Movie?
South Africa elects Kgalema Motlanthe, as interim president Thursday to replace Thabo Mbeki, who resigned at the party's request.
He will remain President until that National Elections next spring. Mbeki served as President for 10 years before he resigned. The party's request to Mbeki to resigned came after a judge threw out the corruption, fraud and racketeering case against Zuma, who was to replace Mbeki as President last year, calling them invalid and accusing Mbeki's government of political interference in the case.
Can you imagine our President's being able to be in office for 10 years or more? 8 Years is already too long for some...two more years of Bush!!!
Are there any President's in History that you think could have benefited the country if they stayed in office longer?
The Congressional Black Caucus hosts it's 38th Annual Legislative Conference September 24-27, 2008.
It will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. Hundreds will watch the Presidential Debate together at the conference this Friday, along with several other events.
I wonder if Barack Obama will make an appearance sometime during the weekend? Either way Keeping Up with the Huxtables will be in attendance! This has always been an event that is great for networking for young and old Blacks from all over. If you can try and make it down to DC this weekend, it is an event that you do not want to miss.
Remember to leave your Barack Obama gear at home.
Hundreds of emails and text messages are being sent out reminding us that it is against the rules to wear our Barack gear to the polls, or any candidate of that matter. It is considered campaigning for the candidate. Please continue to spread the message, so that none of our fellow Americans will be turned away.
Save it for the celebration that night! :)
In the African American community you can occasionally see people holding up their fist, wearing a button that has the Black fist on it, or saying "Black Power" when there is some type of event that might be discussing Black issues.
But does everyone who uses "Black Power" understand where it came from. Allow me to take you back in history for a moment towards the end of the Civil Rights Movement. This was the point when the movement went from non-violent to the urban riots. Let's see how the chairman of SNCC, Stokely Carmichael, a former Howard University student, changed history.
On the night of June 17, in the Mississippi Delta town of Greenwood, Stokely Carmichael stood before a crowd of marchers, journalists, and local Blacks shortly after he was arrested and released by local police. "Every courthouse in Mississippi ought to be burned down to get rid of the dirt," he said.
"This is the twenty-seventh time I have been arrested," he added. "I ain't going to jail no more. The only way we gonna stop them white men from whupping us is to take over. We been saying, 'Freedom Now' for six years and we ain't got nothin'. What we gonna start saying now is Black Power."
Willie Ricks, a SNCC staffer who styled himself a Black nationalist and had been using the term "Black Power" for months, stepped onto the platform and shouted to the crowd, "What do you want?"
"Black Power," the crowd shouted back. Carmichael also issued a challenge, of sorts, to reporters in front of him. "I don't think the newsmen can interpret me," he said, "because they aren't black."
There was acceptance and criticism of this term.
John Lewis, the former SNCC chairman, thought that "Black Power" could divide the races and the movement.
Martin Luther King felt that the term, at best, was an unfortunate choice of words.
Roy Wilkins of the NAACP was outraged. He called Black Power, "the father of hatred and the mother of violence".
But many Blacks felt that it helped them come together more, appreciate their race, and get the attention of White America.
(words in red come from a Book called, The Race Beat . The book was written by Gene Roberts and Hank Klibanoff)
Discussion Questions:
1. During a time when we still struggle for equal rights, what do you think of the use of "Black Power"?
2. Do you think that the term promotes unity and pride for our race?
3. Do you agree with some of our leaders from the past when they say that is promotes hatred, violence, and it divides the races?
4. Do you use the term, and why?
Black women have created a new role for themselves, can Black men Keep Up?
Black women have always been the rock and support of their families. She has always been the one that would cook, clean, take care of the children, and be the backbone for her husband. I am reminded of women like Coretta Scott King, who carried herself with such grace, as she stood behind her husband in the tough decisions that he had to make everyday. Or it was women like the Big mama's of the block, who would take care of every one's children, spreading her maternal love all around.
But the roles of a woman have somewhat changed. Black women have now become what we like to call, "power women". As they continue to maintain their households, they are also the ones that are pursuing careers, and bringing home money to help support the family. They used to go to college to meet a husband, but now out number men, as they pursue education for more opportunities.
It is very likely that you will find a woman who would be leaving a partners meeting, to go to a PTA meeting. Only to go from a PTA meeting, to cooking dinner at home. The Black woman is showing that she can do it all, or showing that she has to do it all.
There are several reasons why the role of a Black woman has somewhat changed.
1. The lack of the man in the household. There are so many single parent homes, where a woman is forced to have to work to support her family. She no longer can rely on her husband to be the breadwinner, because he is not there. She has to somehow take on the role of both parents.
2. Black women want careers. With women rights being fought for years, and women fighting for equality, women want to be able to exercise the rights that they fought for. A lot of women believe that men and women should be able to pursue careers, and both move up the corporate ladder. The realized that they have passions and dreams also, and that they should not be trapped in gender roles, preventing them from using the talents that were given to them.
3. The lack of educated Black men. There are becoming more Black women enrolled in Universities, then Black men. As you walk around a college campus, you will always notice that women outnumber the men. Men point out all the time that they are lucky that there are five women to every man. Because women are more educated, they are presented with better opportunities, possibly causing the Black man to move down in his original place in the household.
Some of the dilemma's that Black men and women face because of the Black woman's role change:
1. Black women struggle to find a man that lives up to their standards.
2. Black women struggle to balance their career and home.
3. Black men struggle with possibly accepting that their wife might make more money than them.
4. Black men struggle with not understanding their role in the household anymore.
5. Black men might not pursue a woman of power.
The main issue: Black men need to Keep Up with Black women.
If our roles are changing, than a Black mans role might have to just evolve also. Here are some ways the Black man can Keep Up. If you are a strong Black man, tell the young man that you come in contact with the following:
1. Take care of your responsibilities; be a father. If you get a girl pregnant, take care of her and your child.
2. Become educated; do not fall victim to the streets. I know that it is difficult, but you have to try. Concentrate on school, instead of just rapping and playing ball. If you want to pursue those dreams, make sure you create a balance for yourself, having education to fall back on.
3. Learn how to become a hard worker. Back in the day, men understood the concept of hard work. He was not afraid to get his hands dirty, and do what he had to do to take care of his family.
4. Learn how to balance also. Understand that it takes a mother and father to raise a child. Learn how to balance between work, and taking care of your children. Become your wife's partner, with both of you alternating your duties in the home.
5. Women: learn how to continue to be the support that we always were to the Black man. Uplift and encourage him. Allow him to be a strong man. Make him feel like he is truly your protector and provider.
Number one way: Men you must teach young men! You must mentor the youth or your sons, and teach them how to be a strong man. If you do not teach them, who will? When is the last time that you actually reached out to a boy to help guide him?
Black men Keep Up...and women help them!
Discussion questions:
1. Can a man truly be comfortable with his wife making more money than him?
2. Do you believe that a man should be considered the head of the household?
3. Do power women sometimes prevent themselves from being able to get a man?
September 21st, 2008, was the 39th African-American Day Parade in Harlem. The Parade began at 1p.m. at 111th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and marched to 142nd Street.
The parade of course had your usual marching bands, floats, and organizations, all marching to celebrate being African American. It is always exciting to see the local marching bands perform. The best part is when the drummers do some type of special show in the middle of the bands performance. It is good to see kids doing something useful with their time.
Although the participants in the actual parade were interesting, the vendors and attendees of the event stood out the most:
Don't you just love this shirt? I wish everyone was as proud as he is.
The Greeks came out to join in with the festivities. I knew the Divine Nine would represent.
Of course it would not be a Black event without Harlem residents and restaurants cooking food!
It wouldn't have been NY without the Nutcrackers...drinking in moderation makes any event a blast!
There were some interesting statements made by some of the vendors...
And some vendors could not go without presenting items that they knew our flashy community might be interested in...
I think the parade should have just been renamed the Barack Obama Parade, because he was represented in everyway possible!!!
I was truly glad that I attended this event and was proud to see my people Keeping Up!
The Socialite at the AA Parade
Keeping Up with the Huxtables of course had to attend this parade and would not be truly Keeping Up with African Americans if it did not. The African-American Parade was a huge, and well attended affair. Crowds packed out the wide streets of Harlem, one of New York's largest African American areas, as floats moved along the streets playing a variety of music from soca to reggae, ragga and soul. This was truly a party to see.
The parade of course had your usual marching bands, floats, and organizations, all marching to celebrate being African American. It is always exciting to see the local marching bands perform. The best part is when the drummers do some type of special show in the middle of the bands performance. It is good to see kids doing something useful with their time.
Although the participants in the actual parade were interesting, the vendors and attendees of the event stood out the most:
Don't you just love this shirt? I wish everyone was as proud as he is.
The Greeks came out to join in with the festivities. I knew the Divine Nine would represent.
Of course it would not be a Black event without Harlem residents and restaurants cooking food!
It wouldn't have been NY without the Nutcrackers...drinking in moderation makes any event a blast!
There were some interesting statements made by some of the vendors...
And some vendors could not go without presenting items that they knew our flashy community might be interested in...
I think the parade should have just been renamed the Barack Obama Parade, because he was represented in everyway possible!!!
And of course our (Harlem Residents) lovely new neighbors would not miss this event for the world:
I was truly glad that I attended this event and was proud to see my people Keeping Up!
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